RUSTON - Louisiana Tech enters tomorrow's contest at the Lady Techster Soccer Complex versus McNeese State with a four-game unbeaten streak, while the Cowgirls are riding the same four-game unbeaten streak of their own. At the 4 p.m. kickoff, one of the two may very well have to bend.

After a dramatic come-from-behind 2-1 victory this past Sunday for the Lady Techsters against Southeastern Louisiana, Tech increased their overall record to 7-1-2 on the year and has continued to build up their self-confidence to this halfway point of the season since day one of fall practice.

The Last Meeting

Louisiana Tech

1

McNeese State

2

August 26, 2011
Lake Charles, La.

Lady Techsters Drop Contest To McNeese State
After falling behind early against McNeese State in Lake Charles, La., the Louisiana Tech women's soccer team comeback attempt fell short Friday night at Cowgirls Field. The Cowgirls won the fourth meeting between the in-state schools 2-1 behind two first half goals.

"I think the confidence has always been there for the team this year," said head coach Kevin Sherry. "The players can see in training that we have good players and this has gradually helped the team develop a healthy air of confidence. Mental toughness has been the program's weakest aspect over the last few years and it is something the coaching staff has to constantly remind them of."

Something else that may be on the minds of the returning players besides the mental confidence and toughness is the remembrance of a match that took place on Aug. 26 last year down south in Lake Charles, La.

After a long bus trip the day of the game, the Lady Techsters played perhaps their worst match of the year against the Cowgirls who out-motivated and out-played LA Tech to the tune of a 2-1 victory that evened the series between the two in-state schools.

"Last year the team was intimidated and was bullied." Said Sherry. "It was a low point which highlighted many of the misgivings of the team. We learned from this and recruited well to help solve some of these issues."

McNeese State brings their powerful, aggressive play to Ruston tomorrow with a 5-3-1 overall record and a winning streak that includes victories over Jackson State, Louisiana-Monroe and fellow WAC member Texas State.

Offensively, the Cowgirls are led by a pair of young forwards in Haley Lyons and Brennan Moss. Moss leads the team with 22 shots - 13 on goal - and the two have combined for half of the team's total goals on the season.

LA Tech will counter on offense with a forward of their own -- junior Emily Brennan. After freshman and sophomores seasons that saw her offensive production and playing time be minimal with only three goals in nine starts, Brennan has risen to the top as not only the season leader in scoring with five goals netted, but as an on-the-field leader for the team as well.

"Emily [Brennan] has not only emerged as our leading scorer, but also as our best offensive player in open play," said Sherry. "Almost everything goes through her and she is essential to our overall team play going forward."

"She finishes goal scoring chances, and most importantly, runs tirelessly for every minute, puts her body on the line and never gives up," Sherry continued. "She is a shining example to the rest of the team of what it takes to be successful at this level - courage, fitness, intelligence, technique and hard work."

LA Tech All-Access subscribers can listen to and watch a live video stream of the game by logging on through LATechSports.com, the official website of Louisiana Tech Athletics. Live stats will be available through the link provided on the schedule page. Twitter users can get updates of the game as well by following @LaTechSOC.